Weed control on Top End centre median strips where iconic frangipani trees are located will be modified after a section of trees in Darwin’s northern suburbs sustained some damage in heavy rains.

Median strips along McMillans road in Millner were sprayed for weeds by a Government contractor last month using inappropriate herbicides for that particular location.

Following heavy rains last month, contractors discovered that approximately 40 trees on centre median strips between Rothdale and Sabine roads had sustained some herbicide damage due to the chemicals leaching into the plants’ root system.

Affected frangipanis have shown signs of stress with leaves yellowing and dying off, however the damage is expected to be contained to the affected areas and is highly unlikely to be fatal to the trees. The trees are expected to recover within a few months. An independent report on the health of the trees was commissioned and supports this assessment.

The trees will be continually monitored and pruned as required.

In future, trees in these areas will be treated with more appropriate herbicide and will be hand weeded in the wetter months to ensure their protection.

Media contact: Shannon Rice, Media and Communications Manager, Department of Infrastructure, 0477 388 404